As the days turned into weeks then stretched into months during the unforgettable year known as 2020, the phrase “safe at home” became a sort of catch-all for all things COVID-19 and pandemic related.
During these early days (daze?) of the COVID-19 pandemic in America, we all had a good amount of time to do a good amount of…thinking. Of course, we also had no shortage of opportunities to do a little of this, a bit more of that, and even some of the other.
Did you take some time to… clean your valuable jewelry? And maximize that pricey yet invaluable Amazon Prime subscription by binge-watching addicting television and stocking up on essential oils and hand sanitizer (be careful with that stuff when it comes to your ring)?
But while you do decide to stay safe at home (pandemic-related or not), what about that freshly cleaned, deeply adored jewelry of yours? Are you doing everything possible to ensure that your jewelry is also being protected, nurtured, pampered, and cared for?
To help you do just exactly this, we’re excited to present you with some helpful and “handy” options to make sure your jewelry is every bit as safe and sound at home as you are. Enjoy!
Top Tip: Keep it Cool
No matter where you decide to store, house, or hide your valuable and valued jewelry, it’s vital to always look out for its overall health and integrity. Remember one rule above all: avoid exposing your jewelry to extreme temperatures and humidity—at any and all times. This means that neither a drafty, frigid cellar nor a scorching hot attic are not the best options. At all. Neither is a spot that takes a steady beating from the sun. You’re best off storing your jewelry at room temperature, safely out of the way of direct sunlight. That way, you’ll help prevent premature weathering, tarnishing, and discoloring. Of course, there’s some nuance at play here (for example, opals require more moisture in the air to help prevent the stone from cracking)—but this is a wise general rule of thumb. Or ring finger.
Diamonds Deserve Special (Solo) Treatment
Here’s another helpful, handy tip: Diamonds (and any other precious gemstones, really) are special. By their very nature, diamonds are rare and valuable gemstones. As such, diamonds deserve their own special storage space. With a “10” ranking on the infamous Mohs Hardness Scale, diamonds rank as the absolute hardest gemstone on the market. As such, they’re also capable of scratching and cutting any other material that ranks below them on that scale. Sapphires are a 9 on the Mohs Scale, so you’re best off keeping them free and clear of less-bold-yet-more-timid jewelry pieces. For extra safe measures, you can also place your diamond or other gemstone jewelry in a ziplock bag…before storing it safely away on its own.
Silver + Silica Solution
Silver isn’t quite Gold. But silver is special. Brilliant. Dazzling. When it comes to keeping your prized silver jewelry pieces from losing their luster or taking on any kind of decay, it’s key to do everything possible to always keep it dry and safely removed from moisture. You also want to follow a cue from those demanding diamonds, and keep the silver away from other easily damaged pieces (remember how your family heirloom silverware had its very own special storage drawer?). One thing you can do to help out here is to loosely wrap your clean, silver jewelry—then store it in a drawer with a few of the silica packets that come with a new pair of sneakers or shoes. You can also use felt or cotton here to aid in the customized care of your silver jewelry.
(Literally) Safe at Home
Now that we have some of the pace- and piece-specific pointers covered, let’s turn our attention to specific storage spaces, shall we? Few things say safe quite like a…well, a safe. Sure, it may be clichéd, but there’s a reason a locked safe has always been the go-to option when it comes to storing jewelry, money, and other valuable items. Even better? A small safe that can be strategically placed or hidden in creative and hard-to-locate spots in your house or apartment. Just remember to avoid placing it anywhere with an extreme (or extremely humid) climate. You can even purchase luxury jewelry safes online from companies such as Maximum Security Safes.
Egg-Cellent Option
A ceramic egg tray can work wonderfully well as a strong stand-in for a ring storage unit. The egg-shaped divots are the ideal size for rings, and can also easily and safely hold your valuable necklaces and diamond bracelets. One thing to keep in mind, however: when storing fine jewelry, it’s always wise to make sure your storage container features a soft fabric lining. The last thing you want is for your metal or gemstones to get scratched by anything like metal—or even ceramic. It’s also wise to make sure there’s always enough space left in between each individual piece of jewelry, so you can avoid any kind of “clumping” together. Yes, mixing eggs together can make for one delicious omelet. But the eggs just don’t live here anymore.
Box It Up
Local markets, particularly vintage markets, can offer unique opportunities for many fun finds. If you can get your hands on a smaller size vintage box, you can also easily transform it into a wooden ring display holder. Just like we outlined in the ceramic egg tray option above, make sure to start out by laying down a soft fabric lining inside your jewelry box. It’s also best to thoroughly clean any storage box you decide to use…before placing your prized pieces inside it. Vacuum it out when and if it’s possible, and do your best to remove any dirt, dust, or unpleasant odors. You don’t want your jewelry taking on those nasty qualities, do you? You don’t want anything like…scary haunted jewelry.
An Added Layer of Safety: Zillion Jewelry Insurance
No matter what jewelry you own or where and how you decide to store it, you can add an extra layer of safety and security by purchasing a jewelry insurance policy from Zillion. At Zillion, we’re happy to help you protect your prized pieces—from engagement rings to diamond necklaces and anything and everything in between. Our low-cost, no-hassle insurance policies cover your jewelry in the event of loss, theft, damage, disappearance, and even natural disasters. Our specialized jewelry insurance policies are also portable—so when you do decide to venture back out into the world, you can travel anywhere with the peace of mind that comes from knowing your jewelry is protected, wherever you go.
Visit our online home today to learn more—and get your free jewelry insurance quote!
